Interactive content has a large potential in terms of cultural, linguistic and economic development. This Resolution aims at creating the best conditions to ensure the economic development of this sector and, at the same time, promote cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe.

The sector of interactive media content is a growth sector which offers broad prospects for cultural and media policy. However, as it is still largely at an initial stage when it comes to investments and revenues, there is a need for a stronger focus on such content.

The use of interactive media is expanding, especially among the younger generations. Computers, Internet and mobile communication services play an increasing role in schools and everyday life.

Interactive media can play an important role in individual learning, innovation and cultural diversity.

Ensuring cultural diversity

Cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe should manifest itself in the interactive media content of the future for the benefit of the development of culture in Europe.

In order to combine cultural diversity and a coherent and integrated European market for interactive cultural content, it would be advantageous to focus on:

frameworks for transnational European networks of professionals contributing to the dissemination of best practices, the exchange of experience and the development of competence within the interactive media content industries in Europe;

consider if there is need for adjusted, supplementary or new Community actions to ensure the cultural diversity and the economic development of the sector.

Background

This Resolution on interactive media content in Europe is part of the Lisbon strategy, which set the objective for Europe to become "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world".

The Council has stressed, on several occasions, the importance of the creative industries for achieving this objective - most recently in a 2002 Council Resolution on a new work plan on European cooperation in the field of culture (PDF). The work plan includes, in particular, promoting the development of cultural and creative industries in the Community and the mobility of persons and circulation of works in the cultural sector.

RELATED ACTS

Council Resolution of 25 June 2002 on a new work plan on European cooperation in the field of culture (OJ C 162, 6.7.2002).